If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to explore the beautiful coastline of Cottesloe and Fremantle, the Pirates by the Sea tour offers a unique blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and puzzle-solving. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the concept promises an engaging experience that combines the best of outdoor adventure and digital exploration.
What catches our eye are its affordable price point of just over $12 per person, the flexibility of a self-guided experience, and the opportunity to uncover hidden gems and stories along the coast. Plus, the fact that it’s designed for all ages makes it perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a laid-back, interactive day out. The only potential downside? It’s entirely phone-dependent, so you’ll want to ensure your device is charged and functioning well.
This experience seems ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities with a storytelling twist, especially if you prefer exploring at your own pace. If you’re after a more traditional tour with a guide, this might not be your best fit, but for a relaxed, crowd-free adventure, it checks many boxes.
- Good To Know
- A Closer Look at the Pirates by the Sea Tour
- What Is This Experience All About?
- Landscape and Locations
- How the Game Works
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- Who Will Love It?
- The Experience in Detail
- Starting Point: Ocean Beach Hotel, Cottesloe
- Walking Route and Key Stops
- Authentic and Educational Elements
- Puzzles and Challenges
- Scenic and Hidden Gems
- Practical Considerations
- Additional Insights from Reviewers
- Final Thoughts: Who Is This Experience Best For?
- FAQs
- The Best Of Fremantle!
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Good To Know
- Affordable and flexible activity suitable for all ages
- Self-guided tour with a mobile app, allowing you to explore at your own pace
- Includes scenic coastal views along Cottesloe and Fremantle
- Focuses on interactive puzzles and storytelling
- Requires a charged smartphone and download of the app
- Perfect for families, couples, or team-building outings
👉 See our pick of the 8 Best Tours In Fremantle
A Closer Look at the Pirates by the Sea Tour

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Fremantle.
What Is This Experience All About?
Pirates by the Sea is a location-based mobile game that invites players on an adventure along the coastlines of Cottesloe and Fremantle. It’s part outdoor escape game, part treasure hunt, with storytelling woven into each stop. For just $12.13 per person, you receive a mobile ticket that unlocks the game through the Questo app, guiding you step-by-step with directions and clues.
What makes this experience appealing is its emphasis on building connections and having fun outdoors. As you walk on paths near the beach (not directly on sand), you’ll be tasked with solving puzzles, riddles, and cryptic clues. These puzzles are designed to be engaging but not overly challenging, making it accessible for children and adults alike.
Landscape and Locations
The game takes you from the north to south of Cottesloe Beach, allowing you to enjoy the pristine shoreline without the hassle of crowded tourist spots. Along the journey, you’ll visit public sculptures and other landmarks that are integral to the storyline, helping you piece together the mystery of the stolen artwork sculptures belonging to the Quokka Clan.
The scenic backdrop of the ocean, sculptures, and coastal pathways adds a visual richness to your adventure. Reviewers mention that the experience is a fun way to learn about the local area, with stories about the landmarks sprinkled throughout.
How the Game Works
Once booked, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to download and start the game. The mobile app acts as your guide, offering directions, challenges, and storytelling. You’ll need to keep your phone charged—an essential tip since the entire experience depends on it.
The game is designed to be flexible; you can start at any time, pause if needed, and continue at your own pace. It is available 24/7, so you can choose a morning, afternoon, or evening adventure that suits your schedule.
What’s Included and What’s Not
Included in your booking is the mobile exploration game accessible on your phone, with full customer support available during your adventure. Entry to attractions isn’t necessary unless you choose to visit additional locations outside the game. The experience is self-guided, outdoor, and intended to be a crowd-free activity.
You won’t need to worry about transportation—it’s a walkable route along the coast. The activity starts at the Ocean Beach Hotel at Marine Parade, Cottesloe, a convenient meeting point.
Who Will Love It?
This tour is perfect for families looking for a fun activity that combines sightseeing with brain-teasing puzzles. It’s also ideal for romantic dates or team-building outings where participants enjoy storytelling and outdoor exploration. The self-paced nature makes it suitable for those who prefer to avoid guided tours or crowded attractions.
The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Ocean Beach Hotel, Cottesloe
Your adventure kicks off here, with this well-located pub at Marine Parade, offering a scenic and convenient starting point. From there, you’re encouraged to explore along the coast, following the app’s detailed instructions.
Walking Route and Key Stops
The pace is leisurely, with most walking on well-maintained paths rather than sand, making it accessible for all fitness levels. As you stroll, you’ll encounter permanent sculptures and landmarks, which serve as key clues in solving the storyline.
The route is designed to highlight both popular and hidden spots. You’ll pass scenic viewpoints, learn fun stories, and engage with the environment in a way that feels natural and unhurried. The puzzles are crafted to be challenging enough to entertain, but not so difficult as to cause frustration—reviewers highlight the “fun riddles” and “cryptic clues” as a standout feature.
Authentic and Educational Elements
One of the strengths of this tour is its storytelling component. As you discover sculptures and landmarks, you’ll learn interesting tales and local lore. This approach transforms a simple walk into an educational experience, giving context and depth to your surroundings.
Puzzles and Challenges
Expect to face puzzles that involve finding specific sculptures, deciphering cryptic codes, and following directions that push you to think creatively. Reviewers note that “the clues were clever but accessible” and appreciated the interactive nature.
Scenic and Hidden Gems
While the main attraction is the game itself, the scenery enhances the experience. You’ll get to enjoy views of the ocean, local street art, and beachside sculptures, making your walk visually rewarding. Several reviews mention that it’s a wonderful way to see parts of Cottesloe and Fremantle that may not be on the usual tourist radar.
Practical Considerations
The cost of $12.13 per person is quite reasonable for such an immersive experience, especially considering the self-guided flexibility. It’s a great value for anyone wanting a low-cost, memorable outing that combines sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and storytelling.
Additional Insights from Reviewers
- “The game was engaging and well thought out,” says one reviewer.
- Another mentioned that it was “a perfect activity for a family day out”, appreciating how the puzzles are age-appropriate.
- The self-guided nature means you can pause to take photos or explore more deeply at your leisure.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Experience Best For?

This tour offers a relaxed, interactive exploration of Cottesloe and Fremantle’s coastline. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or small groups wanting an activity that combines light adventure with sightseeing. If you’re after a crowd-free, flexible experience that allows you to enjoy the scenery while solving puzzles, this is a fantastic choice.
However, if you’re seeking a guided tour with a tour guide or structured group experience, this might not fit your needs. It’s also important to remember that it relies heavily on your smartphone—so ensure your device is fully charged and your internet connection is reliable.
Overall, Pirates by the Sea provides a fun, affordable way to discover the coastal beauty of Perth’s west side, with enough storytelling and puzzles to keep all ages engaged. It’s a creative alternative to traditional sightseeing and a great way to make your day active and memorable.
Quest Experience in Cottesloe Beach Perth Pirates by the Sea
FAQs
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, bookings are usually made about 7 days ahead, and the activity is available 24/7, so you can plan according to your schedule.
Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for all ages, with puzzles that are fun and age-appropriate, making it a good choice for families.
What should I bring on the day? A charged smartphone is essential, as the entire experience depends on the app and directions. Comfortable walking shoes and water are also recommended.
Can I start the activity at any time? Absolutely, it’s available anytime between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, every day of the year.
How long does the tour take? The estimated duration is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, but you can take longer or shorter depending on your pace.
Are there any extra costs involved? No, unless you choose to visit additional attractions outside the game, which are optional.
Is it safe and crowd-free? Yes, since it’s self-guided and outdoors, you can avoid crowds and enjoy a safe experience.
What if I encounter technical issues? Customer support is available 24/7 to assist you with the app or any problems during your adventure.
In summary, this activity offers a cost-effective, flexible, and engaging way to explore Perth’s coastlines through storytelling and puzzles. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of outdoor adventure without the fuss of guided tours, making your time by the sea both fun and meaningful.























